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St. Louis: ‘I wouldn’t say that I’m motivated more now’ after Olympic snub

San Jose Sharks v Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 18: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates a goal against the San Jose Sharks at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on January 18, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Mike Carlson

It’s hard not to notice how well Lightning captain Martin St. Louis has played lately.

In his past eight games, he has eight goals and four assists including his four-goal game against San Jose on Saturday. That run of great play also coincides with him being omitted from Team Canada’s roster for the Olympics.

St. Louis tells Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times one doesn’t have to do with the other.

“I wouldn’t say that I’m motivated more now,” he said. “That’s far from the truth.”

“I don’t think I’m playing 10 times better now,” he said. “I played some pretty good hockey before then.”

That’s a fact. Prior to his hot play of late, St. Louis had 38 points in 42 games. Now he’s on a point-per-game pace with 50 points in 50 games and leading the Lightning in scoring. Those stats make leaving him off the Canadian roster all the more head-scratching, especially with his own GM, Steve Yzerman, picking the Canadian team.

With Steven Stamkos’ return on the horizon and Tampa Bay tied with Boston atop the Atlantic Division, making a run at the Stanley Cup makes for a decent backup prize.

Follow @JoeYerdonPHT